1pen·cil 
/ˈpɛnsəl/ noun
plural pen·cils /ˈpɛnsəl/ noun : an instrument used for writing and drawing that has a hard outer part and a black or colored center part [count] ▪ Use a pencil instead of a pen so you can erase your mistakes. [noncount] ▪ Write your answers in pencil. [=using a pencil] — often used before another noun ▪ a pencil sketch ▪ a pencil sharpener [=a device used to make the tip of a pencil sharp so that it can be used for writing] ▪ a pencil case [=a small box for holding pencils and other small items, such as erasers] — see picture at office; compare pen
